Jamie Carragher's awkward Mo Salah AFCON remark seemingly buried by Sky Sports

Sky Sports have removed awkward footage during which Jamie Carragher appeared to disrespect the African Cup of Nations from their YouTube clip of the weekend's Super Sunday debate.

The ex-Liverpool man was joined by Roy Keane, Micah Richards, and Daniel Sturridge to discuss Mohamed Salah’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or.

It followed the Egyptian scoring his 25th Premier League goal of the season in his side’s 2-0 win over Manchester City, strengthening his chances of landing football’s most prestigious individual award.

Carragher argued that the prolific forward would benefit from no major international tournament taking place before the ceremony on October 27.

“The fact he’s playing with Egypt and he’s not playing in the major tournaments as such, or maybe he hasn’t got a great chance of winning one…I think it’s either the Champions League or the major tournament - normally, the player who excels in that (wins the Ballon d’Or).

“You’re looking at maybe Vinicius Junior or Kylian Mbappe right now. Real Madrid are going for the Champions League, and Liverpool will be in that conversation. But right now, he’s certainly the front-runner.”

Richards took exception to his comments, interrupting with: “Just on you saying AFCON is not a major tournament. A lot of people at home will disagree with that. AFCON is a major tournament.”

The pair then proceeded to argue, as Carragher fired back with: “But Egypt aren’t going to win the World Cup, are they?” Richards turned the conversation back to AFCON, and referenced the 2022 final where Senegal beat Salah’s Egypt side on penalties.

“No, but AFCON is big, isn’t it? Remember when he (Salah) and Mane were going for it?” That question promoted a reaction of disdain from Carragher, who shook his head and muttered: “Oh god.”

He looked equally unimpressed when former team-mate Sturridge entered the debate, saying: “It’s a fact. If you win the Euros or the Copa America, then it’s deemed to be big. So the AFCON is on the same level.”

As Keane looked on, smiling, host Dave Jones moved to end the tension by switching the subject to Liverpool’s Premier League chances as Carragher wore an exasperated facial expression. But notably, the footage wasn’t included when Sky Sports later posted a YouTube clip of the panel’s Ballon d’Or discussion.

It’s unusual for the broadcaster not to repost heated studio debates. The decision to cut the AFCON discussion was picked up by viewers online, with many fans accusing Sky of trying to protect Carragher from a potential backlash.

Express Sport has contacted Sky for comment.